Thrilled

Featured Artist

"Our work is distinguished by its design and fine finish," the colleagues explain. "We're challenged to do things very well, and to improve day by day – as people, and as artists."

"We'd describe our work as a great artistic creation," Manolo and Lucho agree. "We've worked together since 1994, and find it a source of great personal satisfaction. We both strive to transmit beauty and our beoved Andean culture."

Manuel "Manolo" Morales Polar was born in Cuzco on May 25, 1945. His friend and colleague, Luis "Lucho" Donayre Ormeño was born in Ica on January 7, 1950. Both come from families with backgrounds in art.

On a trip to Spain to begin master's degrees, Manolo and Lucho brought Peruvian handicrafts with them as gifts. Later, they returned home at a time when Peru was suffering from serious economic difficulties. The men decided to set up their own workshop at home to create original handcrafted designs and provide steady work for several skilled artisans.

"Our work is distinguished by its design and fine finish," the colleagues explain. "We're challenged to do things very well, and to improve day by day – as people, and as artists."

Their work has been exhibited throughout Peru and in other countries. In the Feria Habitad in Venice (Italy), people were surprised to see South American furniture designs in a city known for many kinds of furniture. But Manolo and Lucho broke all preconceived ideas with their presentation combining a distinctive Peruvian look with the art of dedicated masters, all beautifully crafted by hand.

"We'd like our Novica friends to know that our designs are created and crafted with originality, beauty, quality and affection. They are made by artisans who really love their work," they say.

Jesus Soliz of Peru displays the enchanting beauty of embossed leather, inspired by Inca and colonial art. He crafts this rectangular wall mirror by hand from cedarwood, covering its surface with... Read More

Butterflies and flowers celebrate together on a ginger-brown background. By Peruvian master Gelacio Girón, this wall mirror is crafted in the time-honored tradition of Cajamarca. He paints the motifs... Read More

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Buana

Bali and Java

Before his days with NOVICA, Buana sold his jewelry designs door-to-door in the tourist areas of Bali. Business was tough, and local store owners were often slow to pay. All this changed when he joined NOVICA 7 years ago.

Buana now employs 28 of his neighbors to keep up with demand, and can now afford to send both of his children to school.